Now that's the kind of thief I'd like hanging around my midsection postpartum! I just discovered the
Belly Bandit and it’s definitely one of those "why didn’t they have this when I was pregnant" products. (I’m starting to sound just like my mother…
sigh.)
The Belly Bandit is an "abdominal compression binder" or wrap whose sole purpose is to help postpartum bellies relive their former glory. The comfortable elasticized wrap helps reduce uterine swelling and decrease bloating caused by water retention. For breastfeeding moms the Belly Bandit improves posture during feedings and may even alleviate back and shoulder pain sometimes associated with breastfeeding. And if you’re recovering from a C-section the Belly Bandit may help decrease your recovery time and minimize pain related to the incision.
According to Belly Bandit, the binding of a woman's abdomen after delivery is a therapeutic treatment used for centuries all over the world "to help flatten the belly and redefine the waistline." So why didn't we hear about this sooner? I could have tested abdominal compression binding four times! You can catch your own Belly Bandit for around $50 at
BellyBandit.com. (Now if they could just make one that works for PMS, I'd be set!)
- Emily H.
The Belly Bandit
Just because bath and body products are all natural doesn’t mean they have to be boring. Take
Tiny Tillia for example. Launched in 2006 by London-born designer Tiffany Lerman, creator of the successful Chester collection of fashion prints found on products ranging from handbags to scrapbooking, Tiny Tillia offers a range of children’s all-natural bath and body products that feature a collection of delightful characters - based on Tiffany’s family, no less - and whimsical packaging.
From bath mitts and “boo boo bandages” to diaper crème and foaming body wash, all Tiny Tillia products are people, earth, animal and environment safe and paraben free. I am intrigued by the Magic Cream, which helps relieve the pain of minor bumps with a homeopathic and hypoallergenic topical salve containing shea butter, tea tree oil and Vitamin E. And their Tea Trea Lime hand sanitizer has essence of lime in an alcohol-free formula and contains aloe, witch hazel and citrus essential oils. Can’t say the same for my current hand sanitizer; plus, mine doesn’t have the cutest picture of Austin Elephant on the front! Though the line is designed for children, don't hesitate to use it on yourself. It won't lose any of its whimsy or wonderful results simply because you're thirty-something.
The one product in the line we'd caution against is the bubble bath, which contains PEGs, which many reputable environmental health organizations are currently suggesting parents avoid.
Tiny Tillia is available at stores like Fred Segal, The Right Start, Lisa Kline Kids, Shop Intuition, The Wynn Las Vegas and The Montage Resort & Spa or online at
Amazon.com. Prices range from $6 to $18.
- Emily H.
Tea Tree Lime Hand Sanitizer